APNew England Patriots defensive back Nate Ebner (43) catches a ball during warmups prior to a preseason NFL football game between the Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles in Foxborough, Mass. Monday, Aug. 20, 2012

FOXBOROUGH – Instincts are finally beginning to take over for rookie safety Nate Ebner.

When he first arrived in camp, the rookie spent his moments deep in through, trying to figure out what he was supposed to do on a certain player or where he was supposed to line up.

But, over the last week, the ball has regularly found its way into his hands, and it happened again during Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles when he recorded a second-quarter interception on a Nick Foles pass that was intended for Jeremy Maclin.

“I would say I’m starting to get a feel for things, but you know it (starts) with practice and just getting better,” Ebner said.

Ebner is still likely a longshot to make the roster with Patrick Chung, Steve Gregory, Tavon Wilson and, most likely, James Ihedigbo above him on the depth chart.

But, with his special teams value, he could make the decision interesting if he continues to improve at safety over the next two weeks.